Information processing unit, system and method, and processor

Abstract

The invention is provided to improve the information processing efficiency of a multiprocessor system. An information processing apparatus 1000 comprises a main processor 200 for exercising centralized control on the entire apparatus, a graphic processor 100 for performing image processing operations, and a main memory 50. The information processing apparatus 1000 also comprises a DMA controller 28 which controls m (m is an integer, m>1) pieces of data transfer simultaneously, a main memory 50 for data intended for the particular processing is expanded first, and a group of n (n is an integer, n>m) buffers 12 for storing data when the data is transferred from the main memory 50. When a plurality of data transfers are performed simultaneously, a first buffer out of the group of buffers 12 is set as the destination of one of the data transfers, and a second buffer is set as the destination of another data transfer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to an information processing technology, and more particularly to an information processing technology that includes image processing.BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY[0002]With the development of computer graphics technologies in recent years, image data to be output from information processing apparatuses such as mainframe computers, personal computers, and game consoles are becoming complex and sophisticated. These information processing apparatuses have now implemented a graphic processor dedicated to image processing, aside from their main processors for performing ordinary processing, so that the main processors are released from performing the image processing to resolve system overhead.[0003]In order for these information processing apparatuses to achieve high-performance processing, it is useful for their main processors to be multiprocessors. In a multiprocessor, a plurality of tasks is assigned to respective processors for parallel p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In general, the graphic processor performs image processing irrespective of application programs executed by the main processor. Nevertheless, it may be possible to contribute to an improved processing efficiency of the information processing apparatus if the operation of the graphic processor can be controlled in coordination with the image processing that is required in executing the applications.

[0005]The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing problem. It is thus a general purpose thereof to provide a technology for improving the information processing efficiency of a multiprocessor system.

[0008]According to this aspect, the number of the buffers is larger than the number of data to be transferred from the main memory at a time. This makes it possible to reduce the idle time of the main processor and the second processor, and improve the processing efficiency of the entire information processing apparatus.

[0009]According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the processor idle time in an information processing apparatus having a plurality of processors.

Problems solved by technology

With the development of computer graphics technologies in recent years, image data to be output from information processing apparatuses such as mainframe computers, personal computers, and game consoles are becoming complex and sophisticated.

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